Ryuji Imada

(Photos courtesy of AP/J Pat Carter)

We got to see quite a bit of Ryuji this weekend, as he played with Tiger on Saturday. I'd put Ryuji in a sartorial class with Camilo in terms of utter consistency. He's able to experiment while making everything he wears completely his own. He really makes the game cool. Like Camilo, I realize Ryuji is on here quite frequently, but if it's golf style you want...

-KC

God Bless Henrik Stenson

(Image courtesy of Getty Images/BBC Story )

As all golfers have or inevitably will, Henrik Stenson found himself with a playable lie in a water hazard on Thursday at the CA Championship. However, the ensuing rescue shots usually result in a muddy splash, leaving our well chosen apparel in shambles for the remainder of the round. Now we're all familiar with pros removing shoes and socks, rolling the trousers up to the knees etc. But Stenson, rather than soil his Hugo Boss, opted to remove all of it. Yes, all of it. As he put it: "Because of the mud I couldn't really afford to play in any of my clothes as they would have been a real mess down the last six or so holes so I had no option." A true KC response. I love this..."NO OPTION." So Henrik gives his best David Beckham pose (if Becks had a farmer's tan,) hits the shot and the rest is now history. Big stones, Henrik, big stones. Quite impressive. Side note: Rory McIlroy was faced with a similar shot this week, but thankfully we didn't have an early Saint Patty's surprise. I can see the headline now- Blinded by the Arse of an Irishman. Luckily (no pun) this isn't a trend the KC expects to continue...

Very exciting news...

The KC, keeping it original as you always know, is about to feature a few articles on finding exciting, progressive golf clothing at locations you might not expect. Tune in for the lastest in our travels. We promise some great stuff that might throw you for a loop. Born and bred revolutionaries...par for the course!

More New JL from TrendyGolf.com

Micha rainwear pant in black

Nicolas pant in black

Nicolas in grey

Micha jacket in white

(All photos courtesy of TrendyGolf.com)

Just when you thought I'd blabbed all there was to blab about JL.....Some great new items for Spring just dropped in my lap. The Nicolas pant has a contrasting color waistband, a cool, sartorial feature that they say makes wearing a belt optional. Personally, I'd wear a belt as always, while enjoying the stripe in the privacy of my own home.

The Micha jacket and matching pants are a great rainwear option for the summer. They are lightweight and very stylish. Take the KC's advice and mix and match your pant and jacket (black pant, white jacket would be the better-looking option) to avoid looking like a ballboy at Wimbeldon. Between you and me, chicks will dig the Micha. Wear it to the bar after your round and wait for mayhem to ensue. Of course, it would help if your name is Camilo Villegas. If that is already the case, then thank your parents before going to said bar. Not sure where this is going...Go buy some rainwear....shut up...

Pick it all up at http://www.trendygolf.com/

Into the abyss...

(Photo courtesy of Ron Watts Private Collection/Edwin Watts Golf)

The KC will be going off the grid the next few days. I have an engagement up north I cannot miss. Mysterious people are interesting people, no? One of the elusive tour stars of the 40's and 50's was Lloyd Mangrum. He rattled off 35 wins and the admiration of his peers, yet when discussions arise today of the game's great players, he's rarely mentioned. "The forgotten star," as no less than Byron Nelson proclaimed. The thing that caught my eye immediately was Mangrum's style. This photo captures the essence of what a "gentleman's game" should mean. Dapper, demure. A patient observer that clearly knew how to win. Bing Crosby described Mangrum as possessing the perfect blend of "rhythm, balance and style." I like to think of the fictional character of the KC as a man like Mangrum. A man of quiet and competent action, a gifted artist and adventurer... Both Mangrum and the KC would never tell you where they're going, only where they've been...

Enjoy the CA Championship at Doral. Going to be a great one.

Willie Mac

(All photos courtesy of the Associated Press)

I love seeing how guys from the same clothing stables can make the "look" of that brand remarkably different. To make my point, let's look at a guy like Willie Mac, Will MacKenzie vs. say, Camilo Villegas. (To put against Jesper would be too extreme) Willie and Camilo both wear many of the same J. Lindeberg pieces, but through the details and their personal styles, they carry them differently. There is no question that Camilo is regarded on tour as extremely fashion-forward, but Willie Mac? No. He's known more for his personality and his laid-back, surfer mentality. Strictly appearance wise, I can spot a few things that create these differences. Willie pairs his JL garments with Adidas shoes in very sporty models, Camilo favors Footjoy Classic Drys - a more elegant shoe, leather sole, etc. Also, Villegas may be wearing the same shirts as Willie, but he wears them smaller and he fills them out more, as he looks like he could bench-press a Buick. The list goes on, Camilo - trucker hats, Willie in ballcaps and Oakleys. Really though, personal style comes down to how your personality shines through what you're wearing, Camilo, while seemingly a great guy, is serious and focused, while Willie is known for that Jeff Spicoli attitude and it really makes all the difference when you dissect how two guys wearing the same shirts and trousers can appear so differently. Tell you what though, sartorially speaking - definite edge to Willie on the trouser fit. I love how slim and straight they're always tailored (bottom shot is the best example.) Whereas, Camilo prefers more of a flared leg. Also liked Willie's blacks and whites on Saturday with the red belt. Great example of a single vibrant accessory defining an outfit. Reminds me of, well....Camilo. Guess we've come full circle.

It is Monday, March 9th and I, as always, am the Khaki Crusader.

Friday Throwback

(Photo courtesy of Ron Watts Private Collection/Edwin Watts)

Everytime I see Johnny Miller on TV now, I have to remind myself he was once this cool Cali kid who swaggered onto the Tour in the early 70's and ran off 18 wins that decade including '73 at Oakmont in the US Open and the 1976 British. He's a little bit different looking now, but he still has that swagger when he's hooked up to the mic on CBS. This picture to me is raw power and youthful style. Look at the strength, notice the balance...check out those trousers. Raw! Yet comfortingly refined.

-KC

New Marketing

(Photos courtesy of and are property of Puma Golf)

I'm really liking some of the techniques golf apparel companies are using to market to the younger generation. Oakley, Puma and Trendy Golf, to name a few, have blogs that get pretty steady attention and updating. I was on Puma's today - it looks like it kicked off last week sometime - and liked the groundwork they're laying. They have a section on each fully sponsored Puma golf team member including some really high-quality photos, (great for spotting details on the clothing before you purchase) a summary talking about their preferred gear and a short blurb on their personal style. It's a good idea - I like that they're focused on the player with relation to their style and not just to their stats. Oakley's golf section is really cool - they have videos of Ian Poulter and Ricky Barnes and photos of Oakley-sponsored events, even the Oakley golf team hanging out with Marty Hackel. I'm not a huge fan of Oakley apparel (some of the shirts are cool) and I hate wearing sunglasses to play golf, but all that withstanding, go Oakley! It seems to me like they kind of kicked off the whole blog as a marketing tool thing at least in this realm. I will say they are progressive as hell when it comes to keeping it on the cutting edge. Anyways, you should check these blogs out - I've included the best Puma photos above, so really I've done the legwork for you. Maybe you can just stare twice as long at my blog instead of going to Puma's. If only I sold clothes, I have a million ideas I tell you...but you knew that.

-KC

www.BAD-ASS-Belt.com

(Photo courtesy of House of Fleming)

This ultra cool denim-pattern genuine gator belt from House of Fleming (http://www.houseoffleming.com/) may set you back over 500 quid, but see, secretly you're sticking it to the man by wearing "jeans" on the course. And who doesn't love a rebel? I wonder if Billy Payne and the fellers would be up in arms if someone wore this to Augusta. Can't you see Jesper in a 'Canadian Tuxedo' topped off with a denim skinny tie and one of these bad boys. Yee Haw, that's livin!

-KC

Florida and more...

(AP Photo/York/Franklin)

When it comes down to it, this is my favorite time of the year. The Florida swing means we can smell the azaleas, but have a month of great golf to butter us up. The Honda has its best field ever this week, Doral for the CA Championship, Bay Hill - all major international fields tuning up for Augusta and scrambling for FedEx points. So who's going to come out of the Florida tournaments the Master's favorite? It's Tiger's title to lose I suppose. Can we count on a win from him at Doral or Arnie's tournament as we've come to expect? If he goes winless, will we look elsewhere for a Master's pick for the office pool? Will Rory take home his first US victory? Does Geoff continue his seemingly shakeless play? What will they all be wearing when it all goes down? (That last question is of particular concern to the boys at the KC)

Not to mention stores are getting in the big shipments of new spring and summer 09 golf apparel. Check out the links for Trendy golf and Fairway styles in the upper right hand corner of the site for the new Puma, JL and others. I've been meaning to check out the JL store in Soho one of these days to see what they have in for new gear - they usually stock a large portion of the bottom floor with golf clothing and in the past have had a good selection. I'll report back when I do get some time to investigate.

Dressing your Body Type 2...

(Photos courtesy of AP/Matt York/Ross D. Franklin)

Polar opposite time - Geoff Ogilvy. For a guy of "only" 6'2'' when you see him out there, he looks much taller. Guess why? Because of how he wears his clothing. Those Puma shirts have the sleeves cut quite short, which gives him even more 'lank' in the arms and the 5 pocket pants he prefers are cut slim, especially at the base of the leg, yet still remain comfortable where it matters.

To me, no one dresses more like their personality/game than Ogilvy. He's equal parts meticulous and loose, serious and carefree. He's clearly got the icy edge, I mean 18-3 in match play against the world's best is evidence of that; at the same time he's that bright gent you might want to discuss free will with over a... i don't know... a Fosters?

-KC

Dressing your body type

(AP Photos by Matt York and Ross D. Franklin)

I talk alot about fit and the importance of dressing your body type. No one does this better than WGC Match-Play finalist Paul Casey. Paul is 5' 9'' and stocky with Popeye-esque forearms, but when you see him on TV, his clothing fits him so precisely (no excess material on the shirts, trousers cut perfectly and good length) that he looks leaner and taller than he should. Two easy ways to appear taller: Make sure your sleeves hit above your elbow and choose a slim cut (don't be afraid) flat-front trouser with only a slight break at your shoe. Pleats make anyone look squatter. Something to think about for the guys who aren't blessed with the long and lanky gait of a Geoff Ogilvy, who I will cover in my next post.

-KC

Friday Throwback

As the crusaders of modern golf apparel, Johan Lindeberg and the boys have always tried to stay one step ahead of the rest. When they did the color thing back in 2003-2006, companies trying to get a piece of the market flooded it with neons and they've since retreated to more subdued designs. I do miss seeing Jesper and Camilo (and in those days Badds and Chucky Howell) wear the turquoises and electric blues before we started seeing them everywhere. The Lachlan polo Camilo wears above is one of my favorite JL shirts of all time. Going back to the last post with Luke, when you pair a bold color with black it jumps and it creates this fantastic effect. For an off-the-course example, notice the way Kanye West will pair a black outfit or black trousers with a brightly colored Paul Smith belt. Same effect. It's something I've never tried, but have always wanted to. Guess it's kind of too late. But hey, when everyone starts making boring sh*t to stay current, I can count on JL to whip something up that'll get my blood-boiling again. Viva la golf style.

-KC

2 great golf shirts for different reasons

(Photos courtesy of Firdia Snawati/AP and AP Photos/Ross D Franklin)

Luke has been wearing alot of black on tour so far this year, this lavender stripe on black from Thursday is such a great combination - it really produces a rich and powerful shirt, almost regal.

It must be hotter than Hades in Bali right now - as you can see from Magnus Carlsson (right) sweating it out - but Anton Haig's shirt caught my eye for the detailing. (Not to mention the faint pinstripe on the trousers, I really like his whole look) The polo looks alot like Phil's red shirt from last week - kind of that utility polo vibe that is kind of a nice way to switch things up. I've never been opposed to throwing a chest pocket (even two, a la JL's Brantley Fieldsensor) on a golf shirt - it makes things a little more exciting.

Just a few thoughts...stay tuned for the Friday throwback.


-KC

WGC Updates

(Photos courtesy of AP/Ross D. Franklin/Matt York and Reuters photos)

Many of the KC's favorite sons are performing well in the desert. In the sartorial heavyweight match of the day, Camilo gave Jimenez (bottom) a pounding 5 and 4. Luke took 19 holes to take down Vijay and Poulter advanced past Schwartzel. Great young guns match tomorrow of Ogilvy and Camilo; while Donald draws the "Big Easy." Will a little dose of style be the difference in these matches? We shall see. The World Golf Championships, further evidence (as if you needed any) of the mantra we here at the KC live by: "When you look good, you feel good, you play good..." Not proper English, but who needs it, I say? Worry less about grammar and more about your short game...

Who's Ready?

(AP Photos/Matt York/Lenny Ignelzi/Reed Saxon)

I know this is a golf style blog, but sometimes I just can't help but get really, really psyched for just plain old golf...I've had a thought over and over this week that with the commencement of today's Accenture Match Play Championship, professional golf as a whole is really at the height of its run towards perfection. You know when you just get that feeling? I can't shake it this week: Tiger's back, Phil is fresh off a win. We have tremendously talented young players at the height of their games: Rory McIlroy, AK, Camilo, Luke, Badds, Geoff, Hunter. An amazing group of Euro players: Paddy, Sergio, Poulter, Rose, GMac, Karlsson, Stenson. International stalwarts Ernie, Veej, Trevor, Appleby and Goosen. Its just perfect enough to feel totally comfortable sitting back and enjoying our game at its peak.

Damn it feels good to be a golfer.

-KC

Banded Sleeves

(All photos courtesy of AP/John Lazar/Reed Saxon)

I don't think of banded sleeves when I think of a golf shirt, but lots of guys on tour wear shirts that have them. (see Luke and Rafael above) I wear Lacoste polos away from the course in the summer, but everytime I put one on for golf, it always feels wrong. The sleeves stay so far up your bicep, it feels kinda foolish to me. (Might just be my bashfulness over my pasty white upper arms after a winter in New York) As my perception continues to evolve as to what a traditional "golf shirt" embodies, I think I may get more used to seeing those 'gun hugger' polos, but for now I still enjoy a bit of room a la Phil in the photo above. I'm really liking Phil's shirts. I love the hidden button down collar and the trimmer fit. What do you guys prefer? A fuller cut sleeve or a banded polo a la Lacoste or Polo Ralph Lauren? (Polo Golf has fuller sleeves, RLX often tapers/ bands their sleeves to fit closer to the bicep - that more modern look) One thing that's great about alot of the better golf apparel manufacturers is that they offer both. JL makes the Tour fit polos that Camilo wears with a banded sleeve, but also offers different cuts that showcase the slightly fuller sleeve. Something to think about as you choose your Spring golf wardrobe.

Friday Throwback

(Photo courtesy of DNR/all rights reserved)

I love this shot. It's crazy to think this was 9 years ago now. I remember Jesper winning that Byron Nelson like it was yesterday. He still stuck out in a delightful way at that point. My favorite thing about this shot is the juxtiposition between Davis (who is the stalwart of classic American golf dress) and Jesper (who at the time was ruffling feathers with his too hot for TV JL gear) Great piece of golf history and an awesome testament to tastemakers who are truly ahead of the class. The skinny Swede with the pink pants in the heart of Texas. That'd make a good country song. Enjoy your weekend.

-KC

Heeere's Eldrick...

(Photos courtesy of AP/Reed Saxon/AP file)

Phil, like the rest of us, is psyched(!) Tiger will be in the field at the Accenture Match Play next week after 9 months on the lam. The KC snuck around the locker room at Riviera and acquired a piece of the letter Phil sent early Wednesday to the fellow members of the Tour.

Dear Boys,

"If you're holding this letter, you already know. The Tiger has returned. The birdies, the fistpumps, everything.. We're at the Comfort Inn. Room 112. I love you. Phil."

C'mon....Really?

(Image courtesy of the Associated Press/AP Photos)

Anthony: "Look KC, what's that up there??"


KC: "Easy AK, that's just GolfWRX on their high horse..."





GolfWRX, the hugely popular golf forum, which, prior to this incident, I was greatly enamoured with, has banned the KC for posting in a few chatrooms (ok maybe 20) about how people should come visit my blog (shameless self-promotion) and mentioning that if they had any golf style questions for Tony Q'aja they should come by and ask them. (Not selfish at all - in fact, quite damn nice of me...) Anyways, the evil dictators over there banned me from all chat rooms and ALL access. So I can't even get on the site or access my profile. Pretty rough I know. I wrote several emails asking to be re-instated, but I've gotten nothing in return but the oh-so-cold shoulder of disregard. If any KC readers would shoot an email to the administrators (and I use that term loosely and with a healthy dose of disdain) over at GolfWRX, I'd greatly appreciate it. Although at this point they probably won't let me back. That, ladies and gentleman, is why I am golf's bloggin' bad boy. Come and get me.